The week link - June 02 - 08
Comedy
That '80s Show (M-Net, tonight at 6.30): Based on 1980s culture, this musical comedy shows how musicians who made it in the industry had to persevere. From their humble beginnings and disappointments to their successes and unconventional dealings with the recording companies, the series follows the lives of twentysomethings finding their way through the scene.
Drama
Manchild (SABC3, Wednesday 9.30pm): This is a new season of the light-hearted, fast-paced, politically-incorrect drama sometimes referred to as Sex and the City - for men. The plot is about four men who spend their over-40 lives trying to prove they are not yet past their prime.
They have paid their alimony, the education fees and the emotional price. Now they are ready for fun. Terry, Patrick, James and Gary want to feel like teenagers again. In the first episode, Terry has a new 24-year-old girlfriend and is agonising over whether or not to pay for her boob job.
Gary is trying to find the perfect gift for his wife of 25 years, Cheryl, and James and Patrick are trying to help both of them. Pity the show has been ended abroad.
Also worth a watch: City of Angels (SABC1, tonight at 9.30) and The Practice (SABC3, tonight at 9.30)
Nature
National Geographics (SABC3 Sunday 6pm): Herpetologist Ron Whitaker is deeply fascinated by snakes. He has hunted thousands of them over many years in southern India, where he has spent most of his life.
Now, Whitaker returns to the United States for three weeks to do what he likes best - snake hunting.
Also worth a watch: From Cradle to Grave (M-Net, Sunday 5pm)
DStv
Hallmark: The Crooked E (tonight at 7.30): If you're fascinated by corporate fraud - or just want to pick up some tips - you should check out the true inside story on the financial collapse of the Enron Energy Corporation in 2001.
This documentary tells who got greedy, who lied and why.
TCM: Angels With Dirty Faces (tonight at 9): It's always nice to take a trip back in time. The year 1938, to be precise.
Angels is the moving story of two childhood friends from the seedy Lower East Side of New York. One becomes a gangster, the other a priest. This film stars legend James Cagney - so good at playing the hood.
BBC Prime: EastEnders (today to Thursday, 6.30pm): Addicted fans of this excellent long-running British soap - like moi - should note that it's now moved to an earlier time-slot.
Bit of a bummer if you normally watch the local soaps at this time of day, but hey, that's what VCRs are for.
BBC Prime: Ten Thousand Private Eyes (Wednesday, 10.30pm): Private dicks from around England tell tales of some of the weirdest and wacky cases they've had over the years.
Also worth a watch: World's Most Awesome Record Breakers (Reality, Thursday, 8.20pm); Forensic Detectives (Discovery, Thursday, 9pm); National Geo-Genius NatGeo, Friday, 7.30pm); Nancy Lam (BBC Food, Friday, 9.45) - Kim Clayton-Millar
Sport
Motorsport (M-Net, Sunday 1pm): This month will be jam-packed with motorsport action with races ranging from the MotoGP to the World Superbike series - all screened live on SuperSport.
From 1pm on Sunday, sport fans can tune in for the Italian 250cc Race in Mugello, Italy and at 1.30pm for the Italian MotoGP Race, also in Mugello.
Also worth a watch: Uefa Champions League Report (e.tv, Sunday 1pm)
Doccie
A Letter to my Cousin (SABC1, tonight at 10): This documentary directed by South African filmmaker Henion Han tells the story of a family of South Africans of Chinese origin, documented through 20-years of footage. It is a moving home movie, told in the first person, with 8mm images and photographs taken from family albums.
Also worth a watch: Make Me A Man (M-Net tonight at 9.45); Tom Hanks (SABC2, Sunday 9.30pm)
Fun
Sanlam Money Game (SABC3, Wednesday 7.30pm): Three people, three days, R30 000 each... The one who manages to make the most money (legally) wins.
At any time they could be hit with a challenge that will change everything. All those who finish the game get to keep their profits, but the one who gets through this tough real-life challenge with the most money is the winner. The second season of this likeable SA show starts this week.
Series
Coupling (e.tv, Wednesday 8pm): This award-winning series centres on the lives (well, sex lives) of a trendy group of thirtysomethings.
Frank and funny, Coupling features six friends who are romantically involved, formerly involved, or looking to become involved with one another. Their raunchy discussions over coffee and beers include subjects like masturbation in the modern relationship and how to cope with a partner addicted to sanitising bathrooms.